Space & PhysicsMarch 3, 2012
Best Mars Sky Show of 2012 Occurs Saturday: How to Watch Online
The online Slooh Space Camera will broadcast a free, real-time feed of the Mars opposition, beginning at 11:00 P.M. EST
Stories by Mike Wall
Mike Wall has been writing for Space.com since 2010. His book about the search for alien life, “Out There,” was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Space & PhysicsJanuary 15, 2012
Failed Russian Mars Probe Crashes into Pacific Ocean
Although it can be tough for observers in the West to vet such claims from the Russians, fears that Phobos-Grunt's fall would cause dangerous chemicals to rain from the sky are probably unfounded, experts say
Space & PhysicsJanuary 3, 2012
Twin Moon Probes Start New Year by Entering Lunar Orbit
The probes' measurements will be used to construct detailed maps of the moon's gravitational field, revealing a great deal about lunar composition
Space & PhysicsDecember 30, 2011
NASA's Twin Moon Probes Set for Lunar Arrival This Weekend
'Grail' measurements will be used to construct highly detailed maps of the lunar gravity field. These maps could help scientists plan future lunar landings
Space & PhysicsDecember 22, 2011
The Most Memorable Spaceflight Stories of 2011
Here's a rundown of the top 11 spaceflight stories of 2011, from the last mission of NASA's venerable space shuttle program to China's first-ever docking of two spaceships in Earth orbit
December 1, 2011
Skywatcher Snaps Photos of Stranded Russian Mars Probe
A veteran satellite spotter tracked Russia's Phobos-Grunt spacecraft as it passed over the southern Netherlands on Tuesday
Space & PhysicsNovember 26, 2011
Next Stop, Mars! Huge NASA Rover Launches toward Red Planet
NASA has launched its next Mars rover, known as Curiosity
Space & PhysicsNovember 8, 2011
Russia Launching Probe to Sample Mars's Moon Phobos Today
Lift-off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome is set for 3:16 P.M. EST. The main goal is to grab some dirt from Phobos' surface and return the samples to Earth in 2014
October 28, 2011
NASA Climate Satellite Faces Big Job after "Absolutely Perfect" Launch
NASA Earth-observing satellites have had some bad launch luck. The new probe will collect data for short-term weather forecasting and long-term climate monitoring
Space & PhysicsOctober 27, 2011
NASA Set to Launch Trailblazing Weather and Climate Satellite
It's the first probe ever built to track fast weather systems and long-term climate change
Space & PhysicsOctober 13, 2011
Russian Rocket Failure Shouldn't Force Space Station Evacuation, NASA Tells Lawmakers
The International Space Station likely won't have to be vacated next month
September 30, 2011
SpaceX Unveils Plan for World's First Fully Reusable Rocket
A reusable rocket and spaceship could open the gates of Mars for humanity, company CEO Elon Musk announced
Space & PhysicsAugust 29, 2011
Astronauts May Evacuate Space Station in November, NASA Says
If Russian engineers don't figure out what caused a recent rocket failure soon, the ISS may have to start operating without a crew
Space & PhysicsAugust 27, 2011
Extraterrestrial Hurricanes: Other Planets Have Huge Storms, Too
Hurricane Irene is a monster storm on Earth. But it's just a baby compared to the massive cyclones of Jupiter and Saturn
Space & PhysicsAugust 8, 2011
Is Hollywood's "Alien Fever" Inspired by Real Science Finds?
A glut of alien sci-fi films comes at a time when scientific discoveries are making the existence of life beyond Earth seem more and more plausible
Space & PhysicsAugust 2, 2011
NASA Shuttle Fleet Finds New Life in Displays, Parts
Retired shuttles will soon go on display across the country, but some of their pieces may fly again
Space & PhysicsJuly 29, 2011
Space Station Puts Out Welcome Mat for Private Spaceships
Unmanned commercial spacecraft will soon begin making trips to the International Space Station
July 13, 2011
NASA Chief to Congress: Save the James Webb Space Telescope
Charlie Bolden told Congress that the next-generation space telescope has greater potential for discovery than the iconic Hubble Space Telescope